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Initiatives & Highlights
The Wakefield Grannies, founded in 2004, have embraced many fundraising initiatives over the years. These have included open-air benefit concerts at Fairbairn House , community bazaars, annual plant sales, online food auctions, jewelry & scarves and hand-knitted sales at the Wakefield Summer Market.
Our annual International Women's Day Event has become a standing-room-only event in recent years! Held at Centre Wakefield La Peche, this variety show has something for everyone. Dozens of local artists, entertainers and musicians share their time, skill and effort to put on a spectacular not-to-be-missed show. We also join with the regional network of Granny Groups under the auspices of the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) when they have the Grand Market at Landsdowne Park. stephenlewisfoundation.org/ 
Wakefield Grannies Benefit Concert at Fairbairn House
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Support & Solidarity
The Wakefield Grannies support AIDS Orphans and their Grandmothers in South Africa in both Alexandra Township, Gauteng, through the Orphans' Project and in Nulazatsche village in Kwazulu Natal through the Rotary Club of Pietermaritzburg. We provide financial assistance, friendship, solidarity and mutual moral support.
Letters of Friendship
Many of our Wakefield Grannies connect with individual South African grandmothers or Gogos (Zulu for grandmother) through personal letters several times a year. This ongoing correspondence has created personal relationships which have enriched both our lives and the lives of our Gogo friends. These valued friendships play an important part in alleviating the devastation of the worst medical disaster in history.
Financial Support from FundraisingFinancial contributions from The Wakefield Grannies have enabled the purchase of winter blankets, pharmaceutical products, diabetic socks, hot water bottles etc. We also help finance special retreats for the Gogos and teenagers as well as helping them to participate in Christmas celebration outings.
The bulk of our funding is currently used for monthly distributions of food staples to approximately 70 grannie-led and child-led families in Alexandra and in Kwazulu Natal. Due to our advocacy and outreach we have succeeded in raising awareness and concern in our own community. |
